Do This Before Your Shock Linkage Bearings Fall Apart

This is Tech Lesson 2 | Cleaning and Re-Greasing Shock Linkage. A new Tech Lesson will be uploaded every Wednesday. Thanks for watching and I hope these are helping!
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[@christophervillarreal8565]

LMAO bro these old school videos are hilarious your confidence and camera presence has evolved so much! Great work on all your success brother!!!

[@Steelerfan820]

Wow the difference in these old videos from your newer stuff is crazy. You've come a long way.

[@carlosdiego12]

@Cameron Niemela Legacy 8 years after you are helping me.

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks! Glad the videos helped. My career involves working on bikes. I mostly work on my own bikes.

[@MarkNealon]

Wow, Cameron has become so much better at presenting these now!

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks! This should be done about every 15-20 hours depending on conditions and the rider.

[@cristian821987]

Man, so young and you'r videos improved substantially

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@CameronNiemela]

Good question, yes there will be a very slight difference in the amount of friction in the linkage after re-greasing but it is very minimal, depending on the condition before re-greasing. I don't think simply re-greasing the linkage will make enough of a change to warrant resetting the sag though.

[@Idowork99]

your videos are great man, over the break i have been able to straighten my rads, change my rear tire, clean my clutch cable, and now im doing this! so thanks man! you have very good vids, honda all the way. mind if i ask what you do for a living? your very smart, very nice, organized shop!

[@imSlidewayz]

Omg! Soo young hahaha love finding old vids like this that still ha e great information! Love to see the progress in your videos overtime too!

[@supermairo1716]

It's funny to watch him in his old videos and to his newer videos he's so nerves and quit and now he is comfortable at what he dose

[@dthurman798]

Thank you for making detailed videos, I appreciate your efforts

[@audiogarden21]

You've come a long way, brother.

[@PlumpDragon1]

Thanks A LOT! That actually was as simple as people have been telling me but it took seeing it laid out so clear for me to really get it. Nice video

[@CameronNiemela]

Yes, those need re-greasing as well. Not as often as the linkage bearings since they are not exposed as much, but should be done every other time you do the linkage bearings.

[@CameronNiemela]

I agree! Thanks for watching!

[@CameronNiemela]

Glad it helps! Thanks

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks for watching and I'm glad it helped. Yes, is is a good idea to clean and re-grease swingarm bearings as well. They just don't need to be done as frequently as linkage bearings.

[@Frankfoot986]

prob the most overlooked maint. procedure on a dirt bike...good video man..

[@CameronNiemela]

Oh, some linkages are the same diameter all the way through so you can get the bearings out either way. In your case, you will need to use a blind bearing puller or use a punch or flat blade screwdriver to drive the bearings out from the other side. If you use a punch or screwdriver it will ruin the bearings. The best tool to use is a blinder bearing puller.

[@grantnezbeth5259]

great video! I've been holding this off too long and this video helps out a lot for my first time messing with the linkage

[@CameronNiemela]

Thx for watching! Glad it helped out!

[@steveoleary5587]

Thanks for this video...first time greasing my bearings since I bought the bike late last year its getting a major service for the season ahead...04 Honda CRF 250X...hasn't seen grease since new by the looks of it 😅

[@_jkanderson]

This video helped me, a ton thanks! One of my needle bearings were seized but I was able to loosen it the needles up with some wd40, good thing i caught it early or i would have been buying a new bearing haha.

[@Gunny-TV]

Just a tip using those acid brushes, the bristles often fall out and may end up in unwanted place such as bearings. I use either a grease gun or handpack the bearings.

[@CameronNiemela]

Great to know! I'll keep that in mind.

[@trevorjameson3213]

Correct! Hand packing is the way to go on any bearings. I've had bristles fall off brushes when cleaning non-critical items, it would be a shame to have a bristle end up in your needle bearings.

[@CameronNiemela]

To remove the bearings you need to get a socket with the same outer diameter as the bearings and punch them out of the linkage. They will need to come out for anodizing.

[@rbljackson]

been doing a lot of work on my 07 CRF250R...shock linkage lube is next on list..thanks for the detailed how to. Lots of aftermarket parts added so far. It all started with a cracked rear wheel, so off with the rims and ordered a set of the Tusk Impact complete wheel sets, new tires mounted, then oversized front rotor and tusk rear rotor installed on new wheels, new renthal rear sprocket installed, new oring chain and front sprocket on hand but not installed yet. New works connection clutch perch installed, new clutch lever installed, new tusk rear brake lever and clevis installed.....LOL....oh yeah progress. Still have to install the braided brake lines, new pads, and do the shock linkage lube. After that....reinstall everything, bleed the brakes, add the "bling" tusk parts, and I should be all done with the upgrades. UNLESS..i get new plastics and a complete decal kit...debating....LOL

[@CameronNiemela]

Wow you're really going all in! Good choice on the parts, I've had great luck with Tusk and Works Connection products. Thanks a ton for checking out the videos. Post up a video of your bike when it's finished. I'd love to see the progress.

[@Jake_Hynds]

rbljackson time to start thinking about the important stuff like bearings / motor all that fancy stuff doesn't do ya good if it doesn't run

[@scallie6462]

Jake Hynds lol my thoughts exactly, have a knocking motor in a blinded out chassis lmao.

[@rbljackson]

Rider before me raced the bike and (upgraded to a 450), religiously changed oil after every race. valve clearances were checked over the winter right before I got the bike. Clutch plates were checked and were in tolerance, motor doesn't need any additional work this year unless a unforeseen problem arises. Antifreeze was changed, motor/gearcase oil was changed, brake fluid was replaced when stainless lines were added, Wheel bearings are all new (new tusk wheelsets). I do need to check the linkage bearings, and the stem might need some new bearings soon. The other thing I would like to have done is shock and fork suspension rebuild, but that is going to be held off until winter.

[@CameronNiemela]

I would just use a cloth to get out as much dirt as possible. Be careful, as you don't want to make all the needles fall out. A small flat screwdriver may loosen up the dirt.

[@CameronNiemela]

Most likely the squeaking is coming from the shock or something rubbing on the shock. The linkage will not squeak, when it needs to be regreased it grind more than anything.

[@CameronNiemela]

Yea, usually if your needles are falling out that means your bearings are shot. I've had the needles fall out before on older bikes and that is because of wear. Keep em greased and they will stay together!

[@rztrzt]

After removing the seals & bushings I used to soak the linkages in petrol and use a toothbrush to clean them out. Let them dry ou properly and repacked with grease.

[@CameronNiemela]

Yes, that would work but it takes more time and you would risk damaging the seals.

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks!

[@bubaa1218]

Wow he looks so young love the vids man

[@dominickcapito4420]

Your video was very helpful. Thank you.

[@Nisotovski]

lol so funny to see you now in 2020 and back in 2012 :) Is this at the beginning of your KZbin carrier? i love your videos they helped me a lot maintaining my bike! many thanks!

[@danielfarmer4311]

Thank you for all the useful information, I have an 04 CRF450 that needs this😎

[@seanrupp6372]

Holy crap, we're you twelve? LMAO, dude you have seriously gotten so much better at these :-)

[@bryantelker9239]

Like so many others have said, great video; thanks. I am new to dirt biking. Lubing my son's 2017 Yamaha TT-R230 linkage for the first time. I bought it brand-new; I am amazed at how little lubricant was in the linkage bearings. One thing I noticed; the material which holds in the needle bearings in place was missing for a few of the needles, in two of the triangle bearings. It appears to be a rubber-type material. I did not find any of the material when I pulled out the bushings. I do not use a power washer on the bike; just a regular hose end sprayer. So I am thinking it was this way from the factory. Should I replace those bearings? thanks for any feedback.

[@CameronNiemela]

Hey Bryan, thanks for watching! Yes, they do not come with much grease from the factory at all. I would only replace the bearings if there is sloppiness in the linkage, or if the bearings are binding.

[@richardtschida2321]

Thanks Cameron I know this is an old video but it's good. I have a DR-Z SM I am going to check the manual although I'm assuming that the DR-Z has a similar linkage. It's an 06 model I won't be surprised if the linkage has never been greased. Thanks Cameron

[@BrotherTay]

I went to grease mine then all the needles fell out they have never been greased rusty as all fuck 110$ bearing kit ordered mine is an 06 too

[@richardtschida2321]

@@BrotherTay hey buddy do you have a SM model? You have me concerned I am in the process of installing big bore and cams and clutch. Before I start the bearings now have to line up new bearings don't want to have bike down 4 2 long. Thanks for the heads up 👍

[@BrotherTay]

@@richardtschida2321 sorry for taking awhile to respond i would check them out first if you havent started doing the top end already better safe then sorry dont want to be pushing your bike home because of a linkage bushing it was a kick in the nuts for me

[@BrotherTay]

@@richardtschida2321 no iv got the 06 rm 125

[@BrotherTay]

@@richardtschida2321 but yeah and not a pro tip id take them to a shop to get pressed in and put unless ypu got a bench vise you dont care about to push them out.... but putting them in i left that to someone who can do it right i tryed with a hammer a d said let stop while im ahead hahah

[@cameronhicks5225]

You are the source of most of my Honda knowledge hah thank you kind sir

[@ildkild]

i take all the neadles out and clean everything, it doesnt take long at all to put them back in abaut 2min per bearing, i also use wider gascets original are 4mm i use 7mm, they fit on yamaha nicely,

[@barra245t2]

that one guy from there yeah me to,this guy did a half ass job

[@TheTedy1972]

I agree with you to a point as I pull everything out, including seals. However considering his bearings still looked mint, his method appears good enough & quicker to do than ours. The quickest method would be to just pull out the pins & just add more grease, without cleaning away the old grease. This also could work well enough. Most bearings seem to fail from having no maintenance at all.

[@richardtschida2321]

@@barra245t2 Cameron is a very accomplished mechanic and after watching many of his how to videos I have this opinion reinforced time and again.

[@clivegreenall309]

@@richardtschida2321 Agree 100%

[@CameronNiemela]

You'll be fine without a torque wrench as long as you get the torque close. Just don't overtighten.

[@56redjets]

One can buy a beam type torque wrench cheap. Twenty dollars.

[@productionvideos27]

very good videos, you earned a new subscriber!

[@djdario8309]

Very good vid. Thanks mate.

[@CameronNiemela]

***** Thank You for watching!

[@salnikandrey]

Thank you! Realy helpfull.

[@Jin-Ro]

10-15 hours eh. I just stripped a YZ125 and I don't think its been done since the bike left the shop in 1994. Link bolts had welded themselves into the bearings and tri-link. Had to junk the entire swingarm and try-link and buy replacements.

[@_jkanderson]

Do you suggest taking the swingarm off and greasing those bearings too?

[@javiersandoval7159]

thanks man, really good video.

[@CameronNiemela]

+Javier Sandoval Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@theforester_]

I took all the bearings off rinse all the grease off and put them inside again. I think its a better service cos you remove all the dirt and old grease. And there r a lot of dirt in there (mixed with the grease).

[@KadeWisey]

do you happen to have a video on how to remove the swingarm and linkage bearings?

[@starfee990]

Great how to vid...thanx mate...

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelsteven1090]

Your good man..I was looking for a vid on this..

[@CameronNiemela]

Glad you found it, thanks for checking it out!

[@jimshorts1451]

Great video thanks

[@dergerat2352]

Awesome man💪💪

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks!

[@coloradodirtbike5930]

lol bought a new bike and took off the linkage the damn needle bearings completely all fell out and the bearing races were fully rusted and half breaking... used my vice and some sockets and pressed all the old stuff out now waiting on the new oem replacements... I wish people would do proper maintenance on their bikes...

[@agonz.11]

I know this is vid is really old but this looks way easier than I thought it would be. Maybe it’s a bit harder in person but seems like something my dumbass could do.

[@CameronNiemela]

The linkage should be re-greased every 10 to 15 hours. It does not take me that long to do it. Haha. It really only takes 20 minutes to do it.

[@markc2951]

maith an buachaill lol good man great video will tackle mine asap

[@jimmienord6326]

Thanks for good video!

[@CameronNiemela]

+Jimmie Thuresson I appreciate you watching the video!

[@motocross394]

Ok cheers and also I don't hav torque wrench does it matter cause I can use ratchet to do it up

[@dirtbikeevent7162]

why not pull the seals out and clean both sides and under? Any problems lifting the bike from the exhaust pipe?

[@LUIGIGOR]

Hi from Italy. Thanks for the video. What kind of grease is used and can i do the same job on the Yamaha wr250r too? Thanks 👍

[@Godseverman]

i did not know you had to do this, my bike have gone 70 hours xD

[@blazerbomb1]

When i take the shafts out of the linkages (2:00) mark area they all have grease/dirt caked on where a cloth wont take it off. Should i use a scuff pad?

[@brettjones2714]

Good vid mate , do you think I can do this at home to my klx250s,?

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks for watching!

[@z400forlife]

Great video, helped on my crf a lot, does the dog bone have a correct position, I put mine stamped number side down does it matter?

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks for watching! I believe the connecting arm can go in either position as far as I know. Been a while since I've had one apart.

[@hiredexpectations9037]

What grease should I be using for this? Would the BelRay waterproof marine grease work? Or should something else be better?

[@CameronNiemela]

+Hired Expectations Yes, that's actually what I've been using lately is the BelRay waterproof grease. I've been happy with it.

[@hiredexpectations9037]

+OneOne9 Creations perfect thank you sir. The process of removal should be virtually the same on all the Japanese bikes right?

[@CameronNiemela]

+Hired Expectations That is correct, almost all linkage is the same configuration. Thanks for watching!

[@CameronNiemela]

I do not, maybe in the future I will do one.

[@willacademic]

i have the same bike and i noticed when you put the bike back on the stand at the end you lifted by the exhaust which has an indent in it (possibly for lifting). My question is if it is okay to lift the bike the exhaust.

[@CameronNiemela]

Yes, you can grab the bike at the fender, muffler (provided it's not hot), or swingarm to put the bike on a stand. The indent in the muffler is for clearance of the rear caliper when the suspension is compressed.

[@Jakeodell83]

In the linkage how do I remove the needle bearings from the linkage itselft. i have the seals and the center piece out because i want to anodize the linkage. Will it hurt the bearings if they stay in there and i get it anodized? Please reply!

[@haydenpowell2555]

I've got red n tacky grease, says it's ok for wheel bearings and linkage but it's in a grease gun and red Is it ok to use for this kind of work

[@Calikid42O]

Hey man I noticed when I have pres down on the rear shock it squeaks could that be cause it needs to be regreased

[@Mmdoggy1]

Is a torque wrench really necessary? I've been using a regular wrench for tightening my linkage and swingarm nuts for 3 years now and never had any issues with them, I just tightening them until i feel like it's enough.

[@CameronNiemela]

It's all about what you prefer. I like to have the peace of mind knowing that my hardware is not overtorqued nor too loose. The manufacturer has torque specs for a reason.

[@Mmdoggy1]

OneOne9 Creations Fair enough probably gonna do it your way :) Thanks man.

[@EdgarLuisCosta]

Mack Mkay I only use the torque wrench for the head bolts.

[@willmcgregor7184]

Thanks I’m over due

[@Mmdoggy1]

Another question on mind. How long are these linkage bearings expected to last? I've had my bike for over 4 years now and both swingarm and linkage bearings looks brand new. I have been changing the dust seals once or twice though. Any idea? Thanks in advance.

[@CameronNiemela]

There is no set time table on the life of the bearings. It depends on the type of riding you do and obviously maintenance. If you trail ride and keep the bearings greased, I would expect you can get 150 or more hours out of them. On the other hand a pro level MX rider who doesn't keep up on greasing may only get 25 hours. I usually get about 100 hours out of the linkage bearings and 150 or more for the swingarm bearings with my type of riding and maintenance schedule.

[@blu3flare25]

+OneOne9 Creations what if your talking enduro like soaking in water and mud lol

[@neilconfesor9845]

Will this work the same with my ktm bike as far as removing those little parts are concerned?

[@upward_onward]

What is the size of the Needle roller bearing ?

[@vladkalina69]

Hi, Great Vid, a thought for you. It seems like a fair bit of work to lube the linkage. My friend has a Yamaha TTR 230 I have a XT250. I notice on his bike there are grease fitting to lube the bike, great idea I think mine none. What about drilling and taping holes in the linkage for grease fittings. Any opinions on that?

[@scallie6462]

vlad kalina as long as it's done PROPER I don't see a problem. Of course you would need to completely disassemble, mark, drill, tap, and clean each part before reassembly and greasing.

[@jop754]

M

[@goodboyringo9716]

A Q tip instead of a screwdriver would get the grease of maybe a better .

[@FaceOff376]

What Valvoline is in use? Is Valvoline VV614 OK?

[@renerodriguez2940]

Any grease that water resistant

[@scottswastesystemsllc9798]

Dude is so fast! I can't move that quick!

[@dennyblaschko2]

Do you wipe down the floating needle bearings inside with a paper towel or will the screw it up?

[@CameronNiemela]

+Denny Blaschko Yes, I lightly wipe them in a front to back motion. So try not to rotate the needles and they will stay in place.

[@dennyblaschko2]

+OneOne9 Creations thank you! Also do you know the torque pounds for the linkage?

[@CameronNiemela]

+Denny Blaschko I don't know them off the top of my head but I believe I posted them in the video.

[@Jakeodell83]

but they only come out one way and i wont be able to put a socket in there because the other side has one.

[@jakelane2733]

what size torque wrench did you use that will do the whole bike i need to get on but the right size

[@CameronNiemela]

jake lane I used a 1/2 Proto torque wrench.

[@scallie6462]

Jake Lane most likely one wrench won't do it. Off the top of my head my valve covers are 10nm and rear axle nut is 114nm and one wrench will not ACCURATELY torque at those two specs.

[@MrSmokeingood]

Who else had a fun time replacing the needle bearings as they kept falling out 🤦‍♂️😂

[@MrSmokeingood]

I count not get the linkage connecting arm back into the mounting holes on the frame..for some reason it is too tight with the caps on even though it came out fine...any tips? I cannot get this control arm back in place

[@evgeniy690]

Hi, What is the similar lubrication of liqui moly? Valvoline not available..

[@CameronNiemela]

I switch to Bel-Ray grease. Maxima is great as well. Just make sure you're using a waterproof bearing grease.

[@evgeniy690]

U about this - Bel-Ray Waterproof Grease? www.belray.com/bel-ray-waterproof-grease

[@CameronNiemela]

That's the exact grease I use. Great stuff!

[@zeto1990]

awesome, this definitely gonna help me in the future :D can you tell me the name of the music that you used in the video at 6:00 minutes??

[@CameronNiemela]

Thanks for watching! I can't remember the name of the music I used. I did this video 2 years ago.

[@zeto1990]

OneOne9 Creations thanks anyway. if you remember the name please tell me. can't find it even with shazam =/ This grease is suitable for bearings in bikes ? or can be any other grease?

[@zeto1990]

OneOne9 Creations i've already found it. R&B Instrumental - "Don't Let Go" just for the curious people xD

[@CameronNiemela]

josé Mendes Thanks. Pretty much any bearing grease can be used on bikes. Just make sure it's waterproof.

[@highgear877]

How many years ago??

[@renerodriguez2940]

What If u have a dual sport? Same recommendation 15 hrs or can it be done every 3 months i only go off road like onece or twice a month

[@CameronNiemela]

Yes, you could get away with 30-40 hours between greasing

[@renerodriguez2940]

@@CameronNiemela I appreciate it thanx all ur videos r helpful and most importantly money saving

[@InfernoPhilM]

Vintage Cameron

[@eddiehicks6149]

Why when I sit down on my 450yzf I think the shock or these shock triangles are popping anyone know why its doing this ?

[@stefan_v_wyk4008]

I have CRF250 x

[@staticxmako]

EVERY 10 TO 15 HOURS nooooo way. it takes me like at least 2 hours

[@sammyfoister3677]

good video but I wouldn't have used that crappie grease in my bike

[@jimmadonna1436]

That's true, new bikes aren't greased well enough.

[@Mr250HondaRider]

Never cleaned mine or greased mine, n my triangle thing broke

[@BECANCZ]

Can you tell me type a vaseline, please ?

[@CameronNiemela]

Haha, it'll clean up. Just clean it in the solvent tank. Jk